RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore

What is special about this course?

Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This shore-based taught course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

Some revision of the Day Skipper shore-based course is included, plus more advanced skills in offshore and coastal navigation by day and night, pilotage and meteorology.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster Offshore practical exams.

Entry requirements

Navigation to Day Skipper standard and some practical experience are recommended.

  • position fixing
  • course shaping and plotting
  • tidal knowledge
  • use of almanacs and admiralty publications
  • electronic position finding equipment
  • taking and interpreting forecasts
  • plotting weather systems
  • weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
  • collision regulations
  • customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

How will I study my course?

    How long will my course last?

    5 Days

    The theory section of the course is shore-based and delivered over 5 days.

    At present the college does not deliver the practical section of the course.  However if there are three candidates, the practical section can be delivered by an external RYA instructor hired by the college.

     

    Where can I study my course?

      • Mallaig

      Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.

    Start date

    Please contact us at rya.whc@uhi.ac.uk for further information or to book a course. 

    Fees

    £395.00 including RYA certificate on successful completion of course.

    Funding

    A Fee Waiver or funding of up to £200 could be available to help with payment of course fees, depending on your personal circumstances.

    This support will be available for people who are 16 or over, living in Scotland and either in low paid work or actively seeking work. To be eligible, you must have income of £22,000 a year or less, or be on certain benefits.

    You will also not be undertaking any secondary, further or higher education, SDS funded training or participating on the Community Jobs Scotland programme.

    Please contact your local college centre for more information about eligibility, or call us on 01397 874000.

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    This RYA certificate is a legal requirement for many maritime job specifications. Your employability options in the marine sector will be increased.

    Is there more information available online?

    QR Code - scan to visit course page

    You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

    To book a course or for further information just email rya.whc@uhi.ac.uk

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI West Highland. Please note, UHI West Highland will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI West Highland operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.